Astell and Kern AK320 | 128GB High–Res Audio Player

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Details & Highlights

Product Highlights

The AK320 Hi–Res Music Player puts FLAC audio in the palm of your hand as the latest evolution of the famous AK series portable high–resolution audio players. Pressure–sensitive metal capacitive touch interface and a 4” WVGA touchscreen enables smartphone–like touch capabilities with a responsive interface for an improved user experience including the appearance of album covers. Built–in Bluetooth and Wi–Fi connectivity allows the AK320 to wirelessly connect to speakers and sound systems for listening out loud. With more features than ever before, the 128GB AK320 doesn’t skimp when it comes to your FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Coded) and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) files. Like carrying a concert in your pocket, the AK320 is thin, light, and simplifies complex Hi–Fi audio features into a smartphone–like experience with a raised screen for a more secure grip, a full aluminum body with textured volume wheel, and increased output with lowered impedance. Carry even more music with the additional 128GB microSD memory card for a grand total of 256GB of storage capacity, holding approximately 2,500 hi–res audio files. The AK320 supports DSD (Direct–Stream Digital) files with pulse–density modulation encoding and functions as an external DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) when connected to a PC or Mac USB port, bypassing your computer’s internal soundcard to deliver the same high–quality audio you enjoy.

Details from Astell and Kern

Inheriting Sound

The primary goal of Astell Kern has always been to deliver the original sound, and we believed that the AK380 did just that. We wanted even more people to experience the AK320 and its ability to deliver the original sound as intended.

AK320 is capable of bit–to–bit playback up to 24bit, 192kHz.

32bit audio is downsampled using a sample–rate converter (SRC). In addition, DSD 64/128 can be played back via conversion to PCM.

PEQ (Parametric EQ)

A parametric equalizer (PEQ*1) was implemented in the AK380 to deliver detailed adjustment of the original sound, and an audio digital signal processor (DSP) was added to aid in this process. This frees up CPU cycles previously needed for calculating graphic equalizers (GEQ), allowing more detailed and accurate calculations via the dedicated DSP. The audio DSP expands the existing 10–band, ±0.5 dB graphic equalizer (GEQ*2) to 20–band, ±0.01 dB to more precisely adjust the frequency and gain (dB) as well as more accurately specifying the frequency range via Q value adjustments.

What is Parametric Equalization?

Parametric equalization refers to the ability to increase or decrease the volume within the Q value range. A Q value is a frequency range relative to a selected frequency. The frequency range decreases when the Q value increases and vice versa.

What is Graphic Equalization?

Graphic equalization divides the audible frequency register into several registers and increases or decreases the level of each register with a volume slider to adjust the respective frequency's characteristics. The switches of the volume slider are connected like a graph to visually determine the frequency characteristics, hence the name "graphic equalizer."

Equipped With a Femto Clock to Deliver True Original Sound

Astell Kern implemented a voltage–controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) high–precision clock with a reference jitter value of 200 femto seconds*3. Femto clocks are commonly used in high–end audio systems, and the clock is measured in high–precision femtosecond units (one quadrillionth of a second).

What is VCXO?

A VCXO, or a voltage–controlled crystal oscillator, is a type of crystal oscillation device that creates oscillation frequencies. External environmental stimuli, which in this case mean voltage inputs, influence the frequency value. Adjustments to the voltage input tunes a precise frequency value.

What is Jitter?

Jitter refers to the undesired deviation in time that occurs in a periodic signal. In this case, jitter is the error that occurs in the reference clock required to perform the sampling in digital audio equipment. By utilizing a femto clock, the AK320 is able to create a more accurate frequency value and make fine jitter corrections. As a result, the AK320 faithfully reproduces analog sound closer than ever to the original source when transmitting a digital signal as an analog signal.

The AK320 supports USB DAC functionality.

The AK320 can be connected to a PC or Mac via USB for use as a USB DAC that supports PCM/DSD. When playing back music stored on a PC or Mac, the Dual–DAC is able to deliver richer audio of outstanding soundstage and resolution well beyond the limits of a built–in sound card.

AK Connect App

Astell Kern has further enhanced DLNA functionality via the AK Connect app. Wireless networking DLNA (version 1.0) connects to a NAS or PC, and is easily controlled with a smartphone or tablet through AK Connect. Source files on a PC or NAS can be freely transferred and streamed without the hassle of turning on the computer and physically connecting with a cable.

More Expandable Options

The AK320 can be expanded to a variety of devices through the micro–USB and balanced audio out ports located at the bottom of the product. It can be connected with the AMP as well as professional high–impedance headphones for high output and USB for data transfer and charging. It can also be connected to the Cradle for balanced audio functionality as well as the CD–RIPPER to conveniently rip audio CDs.

Design Concept

The AK320's design is in line with the 'light and shadow' motif found in Astell Kern's product line. Powerful sunlight casts crisp yet understated shadows. The front, rear, and sides form an asymmetrical shape, but the AK320's body exudes an understated impression. The volume knob projects out of the back for easy one–handed operation, and the detail in the precision machining adds a sense of luxuriousness found only in the AK320. The rear is finished with glass featuring Astell Kern's unique pattern for that signature Astell Kern personality and elegant design identity. The AK320's design is the epitome of understated beauty.

Warranty

Included Coverage from Astell and Kern: 1 Year Limited Warranty

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